What is the most common cause of disseminated intravascular coagulation?

What is the most common cause of disseminated intravascular coagulation?

• A. Trauma
• B. Pregnancy-related complications
• C. Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
• D. Malignancy

Answer: (C)

DIC is a consumption coagulopathy where widespread activation of the coagulation system causes microthrombi formation and rapid consumption of platelets and clotting factors, leading to simultaneous thrombosis and bleeding. The most common trigger is infection, especially sepsis, because inflammatory mediators and bacterial components stimulate tissue factor expression on monocytes and endothelial cells, driving the coagulation cascade systemically. While trauma, pregnancy-related complications, and malignancy can initiate DIC, they occur less frequently as overall causes compared with infection. In clinical practice, look for a pattern of prolonged PT and aPTT, low platelets, low fibrinogen, and elevated D-dimer, and focus treatment on managing the underlying infection along with supportive care.

DIC is a consumption coagulopathy where widespread activation of the coagulation system causes microthrombi formation and rapid consumption of platelets and clotting factors, leading to simultaneous thrombosis and bleeding. The most common trigger is infection, especially sepsis, because inflammatory mediators and bacterial components stimulate tissue factor expression on monocytes and endothelial cells, driving the coagulation cascade systemically. While trauma, pregnancy-related complications, and malignancy can initiate DIC, they occur less frequently as overall causes compared with infection. In clinical practice, look for a pattern of prolonged PT and aPTT, low platelets, low fibrinogen, and elevated D-dimer, and focus treatment on managing the underlying infection along with supportive care.